'Inspiration For You' with Randy Mitchell

Originally posted on 07/14/2018

Do you have a Lucky Star?

Months ago, I was listening to an interview with then Presidential Candidate, Donald Trump who was discussing his business, lifestyle, and overall viewpoints on how he came to be who he was. His father had been a big time influence on him, and his mother, and those of past generations of his family. When asked about why some in his field of expertise do so poorly in comparison to his success, his answer was simple: “You can have the most creative, gifted mind in the world, but luck definitely plays a role in your overall success.” He admitted he’s one who’s been extremely lucky both in business and in his personal life, despite some failures. That he’s often shaken his head at how quickly his fortune was made. And this is coming from a person whose real estate career is the stuff of legend.

When you see a successful person, no matter if it’s in their career, marriage, or other areas of their lives, do you ever wonder how many chips had to fall in the right direction at the right time to make that happen? Do you often contemplate why some are simply born into riches, gifted with the good looks gene, or given that shiny, photogenic star appeal destined for Hollywood? Why some continually get promotion after promotion at work when you are just as good, if not better, at your job? Why some can easily loose or maintain a healthy weight while others sweat at the gym for hours not shedding a pound? Do you shake your head a little at those couples who met at an early age and remained in healthy marriages for fifty or sixty years while you’ve had multiple bad relationships to your credit? Is it oftentimes mind boggling, that even in this economy, some keep their jobs year after year while others suffer through layoff after layoff being no fault of their own? Do you ever wonder why a child is born with a silver spoon in their mouth while a kid in Africa is never even given a chance? Why some sail through life without even taking a vitamin, while others are always battling health problems? In other words, why are some gifted with having everything they want, with little effort and ease, while others continuously struggle?

I could keep going, but how much does luck play in our personal scripts of life? How often do you sit and wonder: Wow, I can’t believe I was so lucky to be at the right place at the right time for that to happen? Am gifted with meeting the right people, the right friends, the right husband or wife, or company giving me a truly blessed life? I can’t believe how amazing it is to be successful while others go hungry and homeless?

Many have heard the quote: Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, and I believe this. But, I also believe that when one is given good advice, prepares hard for their goals, then opportunity will present itself. That success-minded people attract the same, and morally-minded people tend to have the same chemistry, therefore bringing them together among a crowded room. Luck and opportunities are something you look for, recognizing them is a huge key to becoming successful.

So why is it many never find luck? Are never given a chance to showcase their aptitudes and abilities in a field of equally-interesting and talented people? In other words, you could have a set of twins both given the same opportunities only to have one become rich and famous while the other lives among poverty. Why-- genes, outside influences, or pure luck?

Simply stated, I believe luck does play a role in life. Some have it, some don’t, and none of us understands why. The choices we make do carry a lot of weight, but luck is something that just happens leaving behind many while surging others ahead.

I’ve been both lucky, and unlucky in my life. A lot of it has boiled down to choices, while other times the wind just happened to blow in the wrong direction. All of us have experienced both, but identifying that lucky star when it comes can propel you toward your dreams.

May you and yours find luck often…

To read more of Randy Mitchell's writing, visit his website @ www.theinspirationalwriter.com

Read an excerpt of his inspirational romance novel, SONS IN THE CLOUDS on Amazon.

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As a writer and avid movie fan, I love the powerful energy behind words. Words capture and cling to people in a dramatic, poignant way - and live deep inside us all. It doesn't matter if those words are written or spoken; all of us have tales yearning to be shared with each other.

A few years ago, I drove past my childhood home in Texas: a nostalgic place where tender childhood memories still reside deep inside me. I remember those hot Texas summer nights hanging out with my sister, friends, spirited pets and my girlfriend who lived across the street. This happy snapshot transported me back in time to endless, steamy nights as we watched July 4th fireworks, ate homemade ice cream on the front porch, and cooled off at the local lake.

My childhood feels like it happened just yesterday -- innocent moments taken from my carefree youth. These memories comforted me and carried me to a place where I longed to stay – a peaceful haven where I could escape my hectic ‘adult’ life. These idyllic, cherished memories were the inspiration for my first novel, “Sons In The Clouds”. My long-time career as a pilot and love of aviation are seen through my main characters, Andy and Wade, who serve as Navy pilots in the Vietnam War.

“Sons In The Clouds” exposes emotional drama that showcases the vulnerable fragility of human nature. The belief in God serves as the problem-solver -- a pathway to the truth -- a light to be used when the problems of man cannot be solved, and becomes a way to expose weaknesses in those appearing to be strong.I breathe life into my characters in believable, exceptionally REAL ways. A strong theme interwoven throughout the pages is that “love conquers all” – as seen through the unfaltering, devoted commitment between my male characters and the women they leave behind.

My female characters show courage and strength in the face of adversity. Despite the fact that she doesn’t know whether her husband is alive or dead behind enemy lines, Rebecca (Andy’s wife) remains strong and never falters in her devotion to Andy.

Rebecca’s character represents war-time brides (both past and present). I wanted to show the strength, love and courage of these brave women whose loved ones were sent off to the Vietnam War. They faced harrowing fear on a daily basis, and relied on their faith and love to get them through their darkest days–- hoping and praying that their husbands returned home safely.

Most inspirational fiction readers today aren’t interested in G-rated books. “Sons In the Clouds” is a modern inspirational story that encompass spiritual themes where faith and love triumph over the brutal ugliness of war. My characters instill a hope-filled message to my readers long after the last page is read.